Active Readers

Abstract

Even simple texts can require active interpretation. Gaps in logical sequences will force the reader to make presumptions about the meanings of the text or the intentions of its author. These gaps are called semantic discontinuities. In scientific writing, semantic discontinuities occur so frequently that they might be regarded as standard practice. The ability to make the required assumptions, through the narrative of a scientific text, could be thought of as a necessary skill; one that must be learned by students as they become proficient in their discipline. Of course, examination questions demand answers and these answers are scientific texts in their own right. Very often, the nature of the question will force the candidate to include semantic discontinuities within their answers. Such demands often lie beyond the capability of the candidate. In these cases, a candidate who understands the science behind a question may fail because they are unable to formulate an acceptable answer.